San Francisco and Beyond

Wednesday 9th June



Allen and I rarely agree on anything but this was unanimous we both LOVED San Francisco. It was so interesting with heaps of history and things to do. We went on a fantastic City day tour with “Angela” who organized a 20 minute ride through the centre of town on an original 1873 tram. The town is built on very steep hills so the tram is a great way to travel. The houses are all painted different colours and usually 3 storeys high and the lucky ones at the top have some amazing views of the Bay. Of course we photographed the Golden Gate Bridge from every possible angle.














Had lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf and was spoilt for choice but Clam Chowder won again. There was a live band playing, street mime artists and lots of crazy people to watch. Even some die-hard hippies came out of the woodwork to make my day.


Shopped at Pier 39 – amazing atmosphere. Viewed some more seals in the Harbour and could see Alcratraz Island in the distance. The place was buzzing, shops, music, fresh fruit, street performers….wonderful memories.

Thursday 10th June 

The RV was due for a 3,000 mile service so while that was being done we hired car for only $28 per day. Cheap eh?

Decided to visit the notorious Alcatraz!! It was only a mile from Pier 33 but as the boat approached Alcatraz we could feel the harsh prison atmosphere. Firstly we watched a 20 minute video to give us an overall understanding of prison reality not only for the inmates but for the guards too. Then we went on a walkabout through the prison cells, wash rooms, dining room and grounds. We all had ear phones for the audio tour and as we listened to the voices and sound effects we only had to close our eyes and we were there.

A past inmate called Darwin E Coon (bank robber) was visiting Alcatraz promoting his new book. He was one of only 5 surviving inmates left. Got a photo of Al talking to him. He signed the book adding his prison number and the years he served. What a trip!

We used the hire car to drive to Tomales Bay – pretty little village, English wild flowers and stunning coastline scenery.  Good job we had the car because the RV could not have coped with the winding coastal road.

  We bought some wine at the General Store and walked around the grounds of the 1834 Pub, so much character.  With the little church perched high on the hill and the wild west colonial buildings I wished I had a wagon rather than an RV.  

Lucas Wharf – An amazing place to stop for lunch.  Lots of little wooden shacks selling fresh seafood/oysters caught only hours before. Hawaiian music playing in the background.  Smokey Joe was BBQ-ing the fish outside his shack and you could choose from about 10 different sauces to have with the oysters.  Ate Mahi Mahi washed down with a couple of Coronas. Smokey Joe posed for a photograph. Bliss.

 

That evening we drove into Windsorland RV Campsite. The crappiest site I have ever seen. It was so run-down, the grass was knee high and the pool had been empty for years. Nobody in the office so we hooked up to water and power but when we inspected the Toilets/Showers there was no hot water. The daily rate was $30 per night but we only gave them $20 because we could not have a shower – no one could argue with that.           No Photos necessary!!